U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello 12th District of Illinois

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For Release: Friday, October 6th, 2000
Contact: Heather Lepeska, (202) 225-5661

HOUSE GIVES FINAL APPROVAL TO TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATION

WASHINGTON- The House gave final approval to the Fiscal Year 2001 Transportation Appropriations bill, which included $60 million of funding for MetroLink construction as well as $1.584 million for improvements for the Runway Safety Area at Southern Illinois Airport, Congressman Jerry Costello announced today.

The MetroLink funding will continue construction of the link connecting the current terminus at Fifth and Missouri Avenues in East St. Louis with Southwestern Illinois College.

Funding for Southern Illinois Airport will make significant improvements in the Runway Safety Area, which provides a safety buffer in case an airplane runs off the pavement during landing or lands short of the runway.

"I am pleased that these very important projects were included in the appropriations bill," said Costello, a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "MetroLink is one of the nation's most impressive transit systems, and this funding will continue the success of the first phase and create a stronger transportation link between Illinois and Missouri."

The 17 mile extension of MetroLink from Fifth and Missouri to Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville is scheduled to be completed in May, 2001.

"The funding for Southern Illinois Airport is very important, as it will allow the airport authority to make significant safety improvements," Costello said.

The bill also included funding for two statewide projects that will make a positive impact in the Metro East area:

One million dollars for the State of Illinois for Intelligent Transportation Systems, which are crucial to the efficient management of traffic on the highways.

One million dollars for the State of Illinois for the Jobs Access and Reverse Commute Grants program, which provides money to Metro East Community Colleges to help welfare clients and the working poor prepare for employment in the transportation sector.

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